The government of the UAE has launched a new defense conglomerate called Edge in Abu Dhabi which aims to develop advanced technology for cyber protection, weapon systems and electronic warfare.
Edge is made up of 25 state-owned and independent companies and will partner with some of the world’s most renowned defense contractors and equipment makers in an effort to speed up the innovation process to ensure greater cybersecurity and safety against drones, misinformation and other threats to the country’s national security.
Faisal Al Bannai, CEO and MD of Edge, stated, “The solution to address hybrid warfare lies at the convergence of innovations from the commercial world and the military industry.”
He added, “Established with a core mandate to disrupt an antiquated military industry generally stifled by red tape, Edge is set to bring products to market faster and at more cost-effective price points.”
Due to continuous tension threatening the country’s national security and with recent events such as the drone attacks on Saudi Aramco which left the world’s largest crude oil exporter temporarily offline back in September, the UAE government has taken it upon itself to use innovation as a defense mechanism to deal with the rapidly changing modern battlefield.